EXCLUSIVE: Galatasaray’s Cris expecting tough game despite weakened Manchester United side

Galatasary defender Cris has told Sambafoot that he is still expecting a tough game against Manchester United despite their weakened side. The Red Devils have already guaranteed Group H’s top spot and qualified for the knockout stage after four straight wins. Therefore, Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to leave a host of star names out […]
by
sambafoot_admin
2012-11-20 15:53:00

Galatasary defender Cris has told Sambafoot that he is still expecting a tough game against Manchester United despite their weakened side.

The Red Devils have already guaranteed Group H’s top spot and qualified for the knockout stage after four straight wins.

Therefore, Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to leave a host of star names out of his squad for the trip to Turkey, with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, David De Gea, Antonio Valencia and Paul Scholes all rested.

However, despite this Alex still expects a tough game at the Türk Telekom Arena this evening.

He told Sambafoot: “Regardless of the players who will play [for United], their team has a very strong group and a very demanding coach.

“I do not think the game will be easier than it seems. We will be very focused on this game and wary of their attackers.

“They have great players who will want to show that they are also good so we must be aware."

The Brazilian also spoke of the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, which United narrowly won 1-0.

Cris added: “It was a very interesting match, the team played very well.

“Especially with the referee’s error, who changed the course of the match denying us a penalty early in the game, the score could have been a goal to nil for us."

Cris, who spent eight years at Lyon, is hoping that the home advantage will work in Galatasaray"s favour this evening.

"We will play at home with the support of our fans. We will play together, trying to start strong and score quickly," he concluded.

Galatasaray are second place in the group with four points, joint with Cluj, meaning the Turkish side cannot afford to drop any more points.

The last time United faced Galatasaray in Turkey was in 1993, when a 0-0 draw saw Sir Alex"s side crash out of the competition.